New SICAP Annual Report Highlights Growing Demand for Social Inclusion Supports Across Ireland
The Local Development Company Network (LDCN) has welcomed the publication of the 2025 Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) Annual Report, which highlights the vital role Local Development Companies (LDCs) continue to play in supporting individuals, communities and social enterprises experiencing disadvantage across Ireland. The report shows that SICAP exceeded both of its national performance targets by 22% in 2025, demonstrating the programme’s reach and impact in communities throughout the country.
SICAP, Ireland’s flagship social inclusion programme, supported 33,714 individuals and 3,097 community organisations during 2025, while also engaging over 117,800 people through community activities and 60,652 participants through children and family initiatives. The programme is delivered nationally by Local Development Companies on behalf of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
The report shows that local communities continue to face significant challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, digital exclusion, mental health difficulties, social isolation, transport barriers and growing demands on community organisations. At the same time, SICAP is helping people progress into employment, self-employment, education and active participation in their communities.
Máirín Ó Cuireáin, Chief Executive Officer of LDCN, said:
‘This report demonstrates the extraordinary value of locally delivered social inclusion supports. Behind every statistic is a person, family, community group or social enterprise that has received practical assistance to overcome barriers and build a better future. LDCs are uniquely embedded in their communities and are often the first point of contact for people experiencing disadvantage, isolation or exclusion.
The report also highlights the increasing complexity of need that Local Development Companies are responding to. Whether supporting people into employment, helping community organisations strengthen their capacity, assisting new arrivals to integrate, or tackling social isolation, LDCs continue to provide trusted, accessible and person-centred supports in every county. We are proud of the achievements of SICAP and the commitment of local teams across the country who make this impact possible every day.'”
The Annual Report notes that 71% of individuals supported in 2025 were new registrations, while 29% of community organisations supported were engaging with SICAP for the first time, demonstrating the programme’s continued ability to reach new participants while maintaining support for existing beneficiaries.
Adeline O’Brien, CEO of Empower, Fingal, where the report was launched said:
‘SICAP continues to be one of Ireland’s most important tools for tackling disadvantage and promoting social inclusion at local level. This year’s findings show that while progress is being achieved, many people are facing multiple and overlapping challenges. Increasing financial pressure, mental health concerns, digital exclusion and housing-related issues are becoming more widespread and require sustained responses.
The strength of SICAP lies in its flexibility and its ability to meet people where they are. Local Development Companies work alongside communities, building trust, supporting participation and helping people progress at a pace that reflects their individual circumstances. The programme’s success in exceeding its targets reflects not only strong delivery but also the growing importance of community-based approaches to inclusion and equality across Ireland.'”
The report also highlights SICAP’s contribution to supporting community groups, social enterprises and local networks, with more than 500 social enterprises supported during 2025. The programme continues to foster community development, collaboration, climate justice and equality while helping communities build resilience and respond to emerging challenges.
LDCN acknowledged the continued support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Pobal, Local Community Development Committees and the European Social Fund Plus in delivering the programme. SICAP is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).